The Kirkus Prize is one of the richest literary awards in the world, with a prize of $50,000 bestowed annually to authors of fiction, nonfiction and young readers’ literature. It was created to celebrate the 81 years of discerning, thoughtful criticism Kirkus Reviews has contributed to both the publishing industry and readers at large. Books that earned the Kirkus Star with publication dates between November 1, 2015, and October 31, 2016 (see FAQ for exceptions), are automatically nominated for the 2016 Kirkus Prize, and the winners will be selected on November 3, 2016, by an esteemed panel composed of nationally respected writers and highly regarded booksellers, librarians and Kirkus critics.

KIRKUS REVIEW

Hubbell takes a wild ride with locomotives both past and present. Halsey and Addy’s collage art is replete with original drawings and historic clip art pasted onto backgrounds of lightly painted-over maps or illustrated paper. The effect is dramatic, colorful and immersing. Their runaway punning will amuse the adult reader, too. In rhyming text, it seems Hubbell recognizes every possible type of train. There are steam engines, electric trains and zoo trains, diesel models and the sleekest of the modern. The journey begins: “Passenger trains. Firefighter trains. Crossing-every-state trains.” And ends: “North and South and East and West. Trains work hard . . . And then they rest.” This project’s talented trio also highlights the sounds trains make: roaring, rumbling and huffing. They look at where trains travel: through valleys and across high bridges and underground where rats in fedoras wait for their subway line. What do trains carry? Anything, apparently, from ducks to oil. They examine employees of a train like the conductor and the porter, as well as what can be eaten in the dining car. Popcorn anyone? Two dazzling vertical spreads top off this standout train trip filled with “Tooting, hooting” fun for adults and tots alike. (Picture book. 3-6)

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